Americas on Andrew Sheves

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Good morning,

Nepal Protests Kill 19, Parliament Stormed

At least 19 people died and dozens were injured as police fired live rounds, tear gas and rubber bullets at young protesters demonstrating against Nepal’s social media ban and government corruption, with some forcing their way into Parliament in Kathmandu. Seven victims died at the National Trauma Centre with many shot in the head and chest, while thousands of students in school uniforms held signs reading “Shut down corruption and not social media” as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called an emergency cabinet meeting. The UN called for accountability following the bloodshed as analysts said Gen Z frustration with unstable governments, rampant corruption and limited job prospects had reached a “tipping point” after the government blocked Facebook, YouTube and X for failing to register with authorities, prompting what organizers dubbed “demonstrations by Gen Z” demanding change from a generation that “grew up with the optimism and dream of an inclusive new Nepal.”

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Good morning,

Maduro Threatens ‘Republic in Arms’

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro stated he would “declare a republic in arms” if attacked by US forces, asserting Washington’s Caribbean naval deployment targets regime change rather than drug trafficking as officially claimed. Maduro alleged the US deployed “eight military ships with 1,200 missiles and a submarine targeting Venezuela,” describing it as “the biggest threat that has been seen on our continent in the last 100 years.” He mobilized troops along borders and activated citizen militias in response.

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Good morning,

As a reminder, it’s just the ratings and regional news summaries this week while I’m on leave.

Americas Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Saint Lucia, Suriname, The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, United States Of America, Venezuela

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

US Revokes 6,000 Student Visas, Hamas Accepts Gaza Truce Proposal, US-Europe Summit Yields Ukraine Security Plan

Good morning,

🇺🇸 US Revokes 6,000 Student Visas

The State Department revoked over 6,000 international student visas for violations including assault, DUI, burglary and “support for terrorism,” with about 4,000 revoked for breaking US law and 200-300 for terrorism-related activities. The crackdown comes as the Trump administration targets international students, requiring social media account disclosure for enhanced screening to identify “hostility toward US citizens, culture, or institutions” and those supporting “designated foreign terrorists.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said “thousands” of visas have been rescinded since January with more planned, while Democrats criticized the effort as attacking due process, affecting a population of over 1.1 million international students from 210+ countries enrolled in US colleges. More - BBC

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Zelenskyy: Putin Planning ‘New Offensive’, Nigerian Troops Kill 100+ ‘Bandits’

Good morning,

Apologies for the formatting issue with some versions of yesterday’s SITREP.

🇺🇦 Zelenskyy: Putin Planning ‘New Offensive’

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy warned that Putin is preparing for “new offensive operations” rather than a ceasefire, despite Friday’s scheduled Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska, saying intelligence reports show Russia redeploying troops for further assaults. Zelenskyy rejected Trump’s suggestion of “land swapping,” stating “concessions do not persuade a killer” as 26 European leaders stressed Ukraine’s right to “choose its own destiny” and that borders “must not be changed by force.” The warnings come as Trump said he would know “in the first two minutes” whether progress with Putin was possible, while the Institute for the Study of War noted Moscow isn’t preparing its public for anything short of “full victory in Ukraine.” More - Al Jazeera

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Trump Threatens India Tariff Hike, Brazil Orders Bolsonaro House Arrest, DRC-Rwanda Economic Framework Agreed

Good morning,

🇮🇳 Trump Threatens India Tariff Hike

President Trump vowed to “substantially raise” tariffs on Indian exports beyond the current 25% rate over India’s purchases of Russian oil, saying New Delhi profits from reselling discounted Russian crude on global markets. India’s foreign ministry slammed the targeting as “unjustified and unreasonable,” noting it began buying Russian oil after traditional supplies were diverted to Europe and the US “encouraged such imports.” The escalation comes ahead of Trump’s August 8 deadline for Russia to reach a Ukraine truce, with secondary sanctions threatened against countries buying Russian energy as India has become a major buyer at 1.7 million barrels daily. More - Bloomberg

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Thailand Accuses Cambodia of Ceasefire Breach, “Worst Case” Famine in Gaza: UN

Andrew Sheves

Good morning,

🇹🇭 🇰🇭** Thailand Accuses Cambodia of Ceasefire Breach**

Thailand accused Cambodia of violating a hours-old ceasefire just after it took effect at midnight Tuesday, though Cambodia said there were “no armed clashes” since the truce began following intense fighting up to the deadline. The ceasefire followed escalating border conflict that began in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed, intensifying last week after five Thai soldiers were injured by a landmine and Cambodia fired rockets into Thailand killing civilians. The truce was brokered by Malaysia after Trump threatened to halt tariff negotiations until the Southeast Asian neighbors stopped fighting, with both sides agreeing to pull back armies and accept independent monitoring.

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Microsoft SharePoint Cyberattack, WHO Condemns Israeli Attacks on Gaza Facilities, Pakistan Monsoon Deaths, Damage Increase

Andrew Sheves

Good morning,

🪲** Microsoft SharePoint Cyberattack**

Hackers exploited a security flaw in Microsoft SharePoint software to breach governments, businesses and organizations globally, stealing sensitive information including sign-in credentials and usernames. Multiple government systems were compromised including the US Department of Education, Florida’s Department of Revenue, Rhode Island General Assembly, and national governments in Europe and the Middle East. Over 10,000 companies with on-premise SharePoint servers are at risk, with researchers identifying at least 50 successful breaches across North America, South America, EU, South Africa and Australia, making it “a dream for ransomware operators” due to SharePoint’s deep integration with Microsoft’s platform. More - Bloomberg

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

China’s Economy Beats Expectations, Trump Threatens Russia Tariffs, Druze-Bedouin Clashes Kill 99 in Syria

Andrew Sheves

Good morning,

🇨🇳 China’s Economy Beats Expectations

China’s economy grew 5.2% in the second quarter, beating forecasts as strong factory output and exports to non-US markets offset weak domestic consumption. Industrial production surged 6.8% in June while retail sales disappointed at 4.8%, highlighting the persistent imbalance between strong supply and weak domestic demand. Despite a 24% slump in US shipments, overall exports rose as government subsidies and fiscal stimulus supported growth, providing Beijing breathing room ahead of potential tariff escalation when the current US trade truce ends in mid-August. More - Bloomberg

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Oil Steadies Despite Tariff, Red Sea Attacks, 11 Killed in Kenya Protests, Trump Extends Tariff Deadline

Andrew Sheves

Good morning,

🛢️ Oil Steadies Despite Tariff, Red Sea Attacks

Oil steadied near $69 per barrel as traders focused on potential fallout from Trump’s new tariffs and escalating Red Sea attacks, with Brent holding gains after Monday’s 1.9% advance despite OPEC+ announcing larger-than-expected supply increases for August. A second vessel was targeted near Yemen hours after Iranian-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for an earlier ship attack, raising Middle East tensions despite the fragile Israel-Iran truce. Trump announced tariffs starting August 1 on Japan, South Korea and other partners but suggested negotiations remain possible, while diesel markets show tightness with US stockpiles at lowest seasonal levels since 1996. More - Bloomberg

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

European Heat Wave, Iran Refuses IAEA Inspection

Andrew Sheves

Good morning,

🇪🇺** European Heat Wave ‘Unprecedented’**

France issued red alerts for 16 regions including Paris as “unprecedented” heat grips Europe, with 84 of 96 mainland regions under warnings and nearly 200 schools closed. Spain and Portugal recorded their hottest June days ever at 46 °C and 46.6 °C respectively, while 21 Italian cities, including Rome, are on the highest alert with hospitals reporting 10% more heatstroke cases. The extreme temperatures have sparked wildfires across Turkey, Croatia and Greece, forced evacuations, and lowered Rhine River levels, disrupting cargo shipping. More - BBC

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Israel-Iran Ceasefire, Niger Nationalizes Uranium Mine, India Blames Pakistan for Kashmir Attack

Andrew Sheves

Good morning,

🇮🇱** 🇮🇷 Israel-Iran Ceasefire / Conflict Update**

⚠️ As of writing at 05:30ET, there are reports that Iran just fired two missiles at Israel, reports that Iran’s State media has denied. The IDF has vowed that Israel will retaliate “with force” so there may be some last-minute confusion and exchange of fire before the ceasefire fully holds.

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Israel-Iran Latest, Nigeria Attack Kills 100 in East, Mexican Mayor Shot Dead

Andrew Sheves

Good morning,

🇮🇱** 🇮🇷 Israel-Iran Conflict Update: June 16–17, 2025**

Overview

The conflict between Israel and Iran has sharply escalated over the past 24 hours, with both countries exchanging missile and drone strikes, resulting in significant casualties, infrastructure damage, and global market volatility1 2 3.

Military and Civilian Developments

Israeli Strikes on Iran

Israel continued its air campaign targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities, including IRGC and Artesh Air Force positions in Tehran Province, and missile launch sites in Markazi and Qom provinces2 3.

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Record Drone Strike on Ukraine Before POW Exchange, US-China Talks Continue

Andrew Sheves

Good morning,

🇺🇦** Record Drone Strike on Ukraine Before POW Exchange**

Russia launched 479 drones against Ukraine in the war’s largest overnight bombardment, with Ukrainian forces downing 460 drones and 19 missiles. The massive attack came despite Russia’s stated interest in peace talks and just before the start of a prisoner exchange involving around 1,200 POWs from each side. Only 10 projectiles reached their targets, injuring one person. More - Al Jazeera

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Bangladesh Lifts Islamist Ban, Mongolia PM Ousted

Andrew Sheves

Good morning,

🇧🇩** Bangladesh Lifts Islamist Ban**

Bangladesh’s Supreme Court restored registration for Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Muslim party, ending a decade-long ban imposed by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. The decision allows the controversial party, which supported Pakistan during Bangladesh’s 1971 independence war, to participate in next year’s general election expected by June. The ruling came as the court also overturned a death sentence against key Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam for war crimes, while Hasina faces trial in absentia for her deadly crackdown on protesters that killed up to 1,400 people. More - Al Jazeera

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Toxic Ship Sinks off India, Germany Lifts Deep Strike Restrictions on Ukraine, EU Pledges Fast-Track Trade Talks

Andrew Sheves

Good morning,

🇮🇳** Toxic Ship Sinks off Kerala Coast**

A Liberian-flagged cargo vessel carrying hazardous chemicals and 451 tonnes of oil capsized off Kerala’s coast near Kochi on Sunday. All 24 crew members were rescued, but authorities issued coastal alerts as oil slicks and drifting containers threaten the biodiverse shoreline and tourism industry. The Indian Coast Guard deployed pollution control equipment while officials warned residents against touching containers or oil that wash ashore. [More - BBC]

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

UK-EU Reset Deal, Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire Talks, Israel’s Gaza Offensive Continues

Andrew Sheves

Good morning,

🤝** UK-EU Reset Deal**

UK and EU agree to major reset deal covering fishing, trade, and defense, marking the largest reboot since Brexit. European fishing boats gain 12-year access to British waters in exchange for reduced trade barriers and paperwork. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized moving beyond “stale old debates” while opposition parties remain divided on the agreement’s merits. More - BBC

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 13 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Violence in Tripoli, Ukraine-Russia Summit Uncertainty

Andrew Sheves

Good morning,

🇱🇾** Violence in Tripoli After Militia Leader’s Death**

Heavy fighting erupted in Libya’s capital after militia leader Abdel Ghani al-Kikli was killed, prompting UN calls for de-escalation. At least six people were injured as rival armed groups exchanged gunfire across multiple neighborhoods, forcing authorities to impose lockdowns and school closures. Residents demand accountability in a city plagued by militia conflicts since Gaddafi’s 2011 overthrow. More - Al Jazeera

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 06 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Israel Plans Mass Civilian Relocation in Gaza, Ukraine Strikes Russia

Andrew Sheves

Good morning,

🇵🇸 Israel Plans Mass Civilian Relocation in Gaza

Netanyahu plans intensive military operation in Gaza where Palestinian population “will be moved” for “protection.” The Security Cabinet unanimously approved plans to call up reservists and put Israeli military in charge of aid delivery to the 2.3 million people suffering under blockade. Reports suggest Israel aims for complete “conquest” and occupation of Gaza, potentially including population expulsion while Netanyahu “continues to promote” Trump’s plan for Palestinian departure from the enclave. More - Al Jazeera

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Spain, Portugal Blackout, Ceasefire in the DRC

Andrew Sheves

Good morning,

🇪🇸** 🇵🇹 Blackout Hits Spain and Portugal**

A massive power outage hit Spain and Portugal on Monday, reaching the 12-hour mark with only 50% of supply restored and no clear cause identified despite losing 15 gigawatts in just five seconds. Spanish PM Sanchez warned of a “long night ahead” while declaring a state of emergency in eight regions, as the unprecedented blackout stranded 35,000 train passengers and raised questions about grid stability amid Europe’s renewable energy transition. Portugal’s PM Montenegro expected full restoration within hours. More - Bloomberg

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

US Markets, Dollar Continue Slide, Speculation of Next Pope Begins and Gaza Restrictions Increase

Andrew Sheves

Good morning,

Three headlines to start your day

🔻 US Market Fall Resumes Amid Trump-Fed Tensions

After the long weekend, US markets slumped Monday with the S&P 500 and other major indexes dropping around 2.5% as President Trump criticized Fed Chair Powell over interest rates. The dollar weakened to a 15-month low while gold surged above $3,400 an ounce amid growing investor concerns about Fed independence and global trade tensions. More - Bloomberg

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Diplomats’ Expulsion Increases Algeria-French Tensions

Andrew Sheves

Good morning,

One quick headline this morning

🇩🇿** Diplomats’ Expulsion Increases Algeria-French Tensions**

Algeria has ordered 12 French embassy officials to leave the country within 48 hours, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot linked the expulsions to Friday’s indictment of three Algerians in Paris, including a consular official accused of involvement in the 2024 abduction of Amir Boukhors, a prominent government critic with over one million online followers. The diplomatic row threatens to derail recent reconciliation efforts between the countries, with Barrot warning that France would “respond immediately” if Algeria proceeds with the expulsions. This incident follows several others straining French-Algerian relations, including Algeria’s previous ambassador recall after France supported Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara. More - BBC

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Algeria Mali Tensions, US Iran Talks (Maybe)

Andrew Sheves

Good morning

🇩🇿** / 🇲🇱 Algeria-Mali Tensions**

Algeria has closed its airspace to all flights from Mali after shooting down a Malian drone near their shared border, escalating diplomatic tensions between the neighbors. Mali accused Algeria of being a “sponsor and exporter of terrorism” and described the drone incident as a “hostile premeditated action,” while Algeria dismissed these allegations as “lacking in seriousness” that “warrant no attention or response.” The dispute has deepened regional instability as Mali fights Tuareg separatists along the northern border, with Mali withdrawing from a regional security grouping and recalling its ambassador from Algeria following the incident. More - BBC

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Le Pen Barred from Politics, Uncertainty over Liberation Day Tariffs and Haggis Hunt Disruption.

Andrew Sheves

Good morning and happy April Fool’s Day. I’m glad to say the big announcement below is 100% real….

But first, some headlines to get you started.

🇫🇷 Le Pen Barred From Public Office

Marine Le Pen has been barred from holding public office for five years after being found guilty of embezzling EU funds, likely eliminating her from the 2027 French presidential race. While she plans to appeal, this verdict throws her National Rally party into disarray, with 29-year-old Jordan Bardella potentially becoming the alternative candidate. The ruling could initially boost support among her base who view it as systemic persecution but may weaken the party’s long-term prospects. More - BBC

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

One week out from US ‘Liberation Day’ and Burundi Accuses Rwanda of Attack Plot

Andrew Sheves

Good morning.

Next Wednesday is ‘Liberation Day’: the day when the off-again, on-again US tariffs are imposed across the board but the administration continues to change and adjust what is or is not potentially being targeted so this Bloomberg tracker is very useful. Meanwhile, in addition to the complexities of reciprocal tariffs, President Trump is also threatening ‘secondary tariffs’.

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Hundreds Killed in Gaza Strikes, Trump Deportations backlash and Netanyahu Moves to Fire head of Shin Bet

Andrew Sheves

Good morning.

📞 US President Trump and Russian Putin will have a direct phone call today (morning ET) to discuss the proposed peace plan for Ukraine.

Three headlines to kick off your Tuesday.

💥** Breaking: Extensive Israeli Strikes Across Gaza Kill Over 300**

Beginning at 0200 local, Israel conducted extensive strikes across Gaza hitting 35 targets across the strip. Several senior Hamas leaders were killed in the strikes, along with hundreds of civilians. Israel also issued evacuation notices, establishing a ‘red zone’ along the entire Gaza border, forcing thousands of families to move. The strikes came after two months of relative peace during Phase One of a ceasefire when the hostage and prisoner changes took place, and aid was allowed back into the Gaza Strip. BBC - Live Updates

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Duterte Arrested, Ukraine Ceasefire Talks Resume Amidst Moscow Drone Blitz, and US Markets Plunge

Andrew Sheves

Good morning.

🇵🇭 Breaking* Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manilla in response to an ICC warrant alleging human rights abuses during his time as President. [More - BBC]*

Two headlines to kick off your Tuesday

🇺🇦 Ukraine Ceasefire Talks Resume in Saudi

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about Ukraine’s partial ceasefire proposal ahead of crucial talks in Saudi Arabia, calling it “the kind of concession needed to end the conflict.” Ukraine is expected to propose an aerial and naval truce during negotiations between Ukrainian officials and U.S. representatives including Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. The talks follow President Trump’s suspension of military aid to pressure Kyiv toward peace negotiations, with Rubio indicating aid could resume if Ukraine demonstrates commitment to a diplomatic solution. President Zelensky met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday but will not participate directly in Tuesday’s discussions. More - BBC

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Tariffs Kick In, Oil Production Increase and Gaza Ceasefire in Danger

Andrew Sheves

Good morning.

Three quick headlines worth tracking.

**President Trump Confirms Canada, Mexico and Chinese Tariffs. **

🛑 Trump confirmed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports will take effect Tuesday, with an additional 10% levy on Chinese goods, sending U.S. stock indexes sharply lower. Canada called the tariffs “an existential threat” with thousands of jobs at stake, while all three countries have promised retaliatory measures. The president dismissed economic concerns, suggesting foreign manufacturers should “build their car plants in the United States”. More - BBC

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Ukraine Peace Talks Begin In Riyadh, Minus Ukraine

Andrew Sheves

Good morning.

The US and Russian foreign ministers are meeting in Riyadh to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine. The meetings will set the scene for future discussions but have deliberately excluded European and Ukrainian participants. [More - BBC]

Comment - These talks are taking place on the heels of last week’s comments by the US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, that Ukraine would have to concede land already held by Russia and that NATO membership was off the table. Meanwhile, US documents sent to Kyiv appear to demand significant reparations be paid to the US without any meaningful security guarantees in return. The framing of these negotiations is shocking European capitals — a feature, not a bug, of the US approach — but significantly weaken Europe, threaten to bankrupt Ukraine, and undercut trust in the US and the NATO alliance. A deal on these terms will be less Winston Churchillian and more Neville Chamberlain.

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Gaza ceasefire teeters; Indian forces kill 31 rebels; Cook Islands-China deal sparks tension

Andrew Sheves

Good morning.

🇵🇸 The ceasefire in Gaza is close to collapse as Hamas has suspended hostage transfers, accusing Israel of “violations and its failure to comply with the terms of the agreement.” Israel has responded by placing its military on high alert, while Donald Trump has said that if all hostages are not released by Saturday, the deal should be scrapped. (Note, the deal does not call for all hostages to be released by Saturday but in a phased transfer through March 1.) [Live coverage - BBC]

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Killing the chickens to frighten the monkeys

Andrew Sheves

** In partnership with **

](https://l.join1440.com/bh?utm_source=beehiiv&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=decis_sitreps_XO7DWEQZLV&utm_content=prospecting_critical_thinkers&_bhiiv=opp_5ec2c2df-c1d8-467d-9427-8e335f9f3f2b_1b75ca79&bhcl_id=f9eba0af-7b0c-4a59-9c3c-6085fb567559_SUBSCRIBER_ID_{{email_address_id}}) Good morning.

A commentator on Bloomberg yesterday quoted the proverb “kill the chickens to frighten the monkeys” and explained how Trump’s tariffs on Mexico and Canada are actually a signal to China: ’See how tough I can be on my allies. Now imagine what I could do to you.’ Unfortunately, no matter how you make the monkeys feel, you’ve still killed a few chickens.

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus Plus Stability Ratings

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Andrew Sheves

Good morning. Apologies for the lack of a SITREP yesterday. The stability ratings are included below.

Country Stability Ratings

🇦🇫 Afghanistan is Unstable

🇦🇱 Albania is Weak

🇩🇿 Algeria is Weak

🇦🇩 Andorra is Stable

🇦🇴 Angola is Weak

🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda is Stable

🇦🇷 Argentina is Weak

🇦🇲 Armenia is Weak

🇦🇺 Australia is Stable

🇦🇹 Austria is Weak

🇦🇿 Azerbaijan is Weak

🇧🇭 Bahrain is Weak

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Tusday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tusday SITREP: Americas Focus

Trump’s Day One EO Blizzard and Palestinians Return to Ruins in Gaza

Andrew Sheves

Good morning. Before we cover Monday’s frenetic Day One for the incoming Trump administration, some stark images and statistics illustrate the immense challenge that still lies ahead for the Palestinians.

🇵🇸 There are estimates that 92% of housing in Gaza has been destroyed. So, while the current ceasefire allows families to move back into cleared areas, very few have homes to go to. [More - BBC]

Tuesday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Tusday SITREP: Americas Focus

Tusday SITREP: Americas Focus

Peace deal nears in Gaza, Lebanon’s new PM and Trump cabinet picks begin confirmation hearings.

Andrew Sheves

Good morning. xx

🕊️ Statements from officials in Doha and Washington indicate that a peace deal between Israel and Hamas is close to agreement. Several influential Israeli politicians on the right vehemently oppose a ceasefire and a similar deal has been under discussion since May last year so a breakthrough is not guaranteed. [More - BBC]

Decis SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Trudeau out, M23 increase hold in Goma and earthquake in Tibet.

Andrew Sheves

Good morning. Three quick headlines

🇨🇦 Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stepped down, proroguing (recessing) Canada’s parliament until March 24th while the Liberal party find a new leader. Canada’s conservatives will want to force a general election, and this leaves Trudeau — who will stay on until a replacement is found — as a lame duck in any negotiations with the incoming Trump administration. [More - CBC]

Decis SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

German Chancellor condemns Musk’s AfD support, Chinese hackers infiltrate the US Treasury and gang violence in Trinidad and Tobago

Andrew Sheves

Good morning. Two quick headlines today.

🇩🇪 The outgoing German chancellor, Olas Scholz, has condemned Elon Musk’s support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, accusing him of election interference. In addition to his support for Donald Trump and the AfD, Musk also supports the UK’s anti-immigration Reform Party. [SOURCE - Bloomberg]

Decis SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

New French Cabinet: plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose

Andrew Sheves Good morning. Greetings from Aberdeen, Scotland, where we’re enjoying a whopping 6 ½ hours of daylight today….

Two headlines from Europe are worth tracking as a taster of what things will look like in 2025.

In France, Prime Minister François Bayrou selected Eric Lombard as finance minister, tasked with finding a budget to satisfy all parties in a divided French parliament. Budget concerns were the stated reason for France’s opposition parties bringing down the previous government, so finding an acceptable solution is key for France’s stability, but the view is that Bayrou / Lombard will not significantly differ from the previous government. [SOURCE - Financial Times]

Decis SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Russian General Assassination, Mass Graves in Syria and Vanuatu Earthquake

Andrew Sheves Good morning. Some quick headlines worth tracking.

Ukraine assassinated Russian General Igor Kirillov in Moscow. Kirillov was head of the Russian chemical, nuclear, and biological weapons program and a Russian military spokesman. [SOURCE - France24]

A large A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Vanuatu’s capital, causing widespread destruction but casualty numbers and the full extent of the damage are still unclear. [[SOURCE - BBC](http://A 7.3 magnitude earthquake has struck near Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila)]

Decis SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Israeli strikes and incursions in Syria as the HTS transition continues

Andrew Sheves Good morning. Two headlines from Syria.

Israel has conducted over 250 missile strikes around Syria and pushed deeper into the Golan Heights in the last 48 hours, in response to the fall of Bashir al-Assaed and the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) takeover. Israel has described the seizure of territory as a temporary security measure, but governments in the region are describing this as an illegal occupation. [SOURCE - al Jazeera]

Decis SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Turbulence in Europe and the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire is shaky

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

There are three big stories worth tracking today, but first, it’s worth pulling a few of these together.

Comment

The macro trend at the moment is increasing turbulence and weakness across Europe through a confluence of factors: internal political wrangling (France, below), economic difficulties (Germany), Russian hybrid warfare (telecoms sabotage, below), and the seeming undoing of the ‘color revolutions’ as eastern european countries drift back towards Moscow (e.g., Georgia).

Decis SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

More Trump tariffs and huge protests in Islamabad

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

Three headlines for you.

Citing the flow of drugs and migrants across the US border, President-elect Trump threatened additional tariffs of 25% on Mexico and Canada and 10% on China. These appear to be in addition to the blanket 10% tariffs Trump plans to impose on all imports and 60% on Chinese goods. [SOURCE - Bloomberg]

In Pakistan, protestors demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan have reached the central D Chowk square in Islamabad. The situation is tense and fluid, and what happens next is uncertain but Khan has asked his supporters to occupy the center of Islamabad until their demands are met. The BBC has live coverage here.

Decis SITREP: Americas Focus

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

SITREP for Nov 19 2024

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

Two quick headlines worth noting.

An undersea cable between Germany and Finland was severed on Monday. The German Defence Minister noted that “nobody believes that these cables were cut accidentally”. [SOURCE - BBC] Note - Russia is the likely culprit here, and this fits with Moscow’s larger ‘hybrid war’ strategy they are pursuing across Europe.* See the **Washington Post *for more.

Decis SITREP: Americas Roundup

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Decis SITREP for Nov 11, 2011

Andrew Sheves Good morning and welcome back to the Decis Daily SITREPS. (What are these?)

Please thank a Veteran for their service today.

Commodity and Rate Snapshot

🛢️** Crude Futures (WTI)**

$69.02

🚢 Containers (FBX Index)

$3,564.2

💵 **USD:EUR **

$1.066 (Price of 1EUR in USD)

₿ Bitcoin

$82,102.88

As at Nov 11, 07:00ET -Data is illustrative, not for decision-making.

Financial data via Bloomberg, Freightos and AlphaVantage